4 Charged In Murder Investigation

(QUINTE WEST, ON) – Additional charges have been laid in connection with a death in early January in Quinte West.

On January 7, 2024, at approximately 11:00 a.m., members of the Quinte West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a well-being check at a motel on Dundas Street East. Officers located Kiean STODDARD, 17 years old from Quinte West, deceased at that location. 

As a result of the investigation, five people have been arrested and charged with First Degree Murder, contrary to section 235(1) of the Criminal Code:

• · Morgan BELYEA, 22 years old of Belleville
• · Steven COURNEYEA, 27 years old of Belleville
• · Harold RUSSELL, 43 years old of Quinte West 
• · Aaron RYAN, 28 years old of Quinte West
• · Khadijah COURNEYEA, 29 years old of Quinte West. 

BELYEA, Steven COURNEYEA and RUSSELL, have further been charged with the following Criminal Code (CC) offences:

·        Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Sec. 465(1)(a)

·        Robbery with Weapon, Sec. 344(1)(b)

Khadijah COURNEYEA and RYAN have further been charged with the following Criminal Code (CC) offences:

·        Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Sec. 465(1)(a)

·        Robbery with Weapon, Sec. 344(1)(b)

·        Obstruct Peace Officer, Sec. 129(a)

The investigation continues under the direction of the OPP Criminal Investigation Branch, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to contact the Quinte West OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222- 8477 (TIPS), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward.

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